CN111416229B - System and method for connector - Google Patents

System and method for connector Download PDF

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Publication number
CN111416229B
CN111416229B CN202010013408.8A CN202010013408A CN111416229B CN 111416229 B CN111416229 B CN 111416229B CN 202010013408 A CN202010013408 A CN 202010013408A CN 111416229 B CN111416229 B CN 111416229B
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CN
China
Prior art keywords
post
wing
connector
flexible
ramp surface
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
CN202010013408.8A
Other languages
Chinese (zh)
Other versions
CN111416229A (en
Inventor
托马斯·A·贝努瓦
凯莉安·E·贝儿
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Illinois Tool Works Inc
Original Assignee
Illinois Tool Works Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Illinois Tool Works Inc filed Critical Illinois Tool Works Inc
Publication of CN111416229A publication Critical patent/CN111416229A/en
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Publication of CN111416229B publication Critical patent/CN111416229B/en
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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
    • F16B5/00—Joining sheets or plates, e.g. panels, to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them
    • F16B5/0004—Joining sheets, plates or panels in abutting relationship
    • F16B5/0084—Joining sheets, plates or panels in abutting relationship characterised by particular locking means
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/40—Securing contact members in or to a base or case; Insulating of contact members
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
    • F16B21/00—Means for preventing relative axial movement of a pin, spigot, shaft or the like and a member surrounding it; Stud-and-socket releasable fastenings
    • F16B21/06—Releasable fastening devices with snap-action
    • F16B21/08—Releasable fastening devices with snap-action in which the stud, pin, or spigot has a resilient part
    • F16B21/086—Releasable fastening devices with snap-action in which the stud, pin, or spigot has a resilient part the shank of the stud, pin or spigot having elevations, ribs, fins or prongs intended for deformation or tilting predominantly in a direction perpendicular to the direction of insertion
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R16/00—Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for
    • B60R16/02—Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for electric constitutive elements
    • B60R16/0207—Wire harnesses
    • B60R16/0215—Protecting, fastening and routing means therefor
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
    • F16B5/00—Joining sheets or plates, e.g. panels, to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them
    • F16B5/06—Joining sheets or plates, e.g. panels, to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them by means of clamps or clips
    • F16B5/0607—Joining sheets or plates, e.g. panels, to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them by means of clamps or clips joining sheets or plates to each other
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
    • F16B5/00—Joining sheets or plates, e.g. panels, to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them
    • F16B5/06—Joining sheets or plates, e.g. panels, to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them by means of clamps or clips
    • F16B5/0685—Joining sheets or plates to strips or bars
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/46—Bases; Cases
    • H01R13/502—Bases; Cases composed of different pieces
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/62—Means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts or for holding them in engagement
    • H01R13/627—Snap or like fastening
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/62—Means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts or for holding them in engagement
    • H01R13/629—Additional means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. aligning or guiding means, levers, gas pressure electrical locking indicators, manufacturing tolerances

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Details Of Connecting Devices For Male And Female Coupling (AREA)
  • Insertion Pins And Rivets (AREA)
  • Connection Of Plates (AREA)

Abstract

A connector is provided. The connector includes a post, wherein the post defines a first side, a second side, and a first end. The connector also includes a securing wing formed on and extending away from the first side of the post. The fixed wing is inflexible relative to the post. The connector also includes a flexible wing, wherein the flexible wing is attached to and extends away from the second side of the post adjacent the first end. The flexible wing is configured to flex relative to the post.

Description

System and method for connector
Cross Reference to Related Applications
The present application is based on and claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/789,112, filed on 1/7/2019. The entire disclosure of the U.S. provisional patent application is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
Statement regarding federally sponsored research
Is not applicable.
Background
Typically, mechanical connectors are used to provide a connection to a component (e.g., a plate, panel, conduit, etc.).
Disclosure of Invention
In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a connector comprising a post, wherein the post defines a first side, a second side, and a first end. The connector also includes a securing wing formed on and extending away from the first side of the post. The fixed wing is inflexible relative to the post. The connector also includes a flexible wing, wherein the flexible wing is attached to and extends away from the second side of the post adjacent the first end. The flexible wing is configured to flex relative to the post.
In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a connector comprising a post, wherein the post defines a first side, a second side, and a first end. The connector also includes a securing wing formed on and extending away from the first side of the post. The fixed wing is inflexible relative to the post. The connector also includes a flexible wing, wherein the flexible wing is attached to and extends away from the second side of the post adjacent the first end. A gap is formed between at least a portion of the flexible wing and the second side of the post to enable the flexible wing to flex relative to the post.
In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a connector assembly comprising a component having a mounting surface. The connector assembly includes a connector having a post defining a first side, a second side, and a first end. The connector further comprises: a fixed wing formed on and extending away from the first side of the post; and a flexible wing attached to and extending away from the second side of the post adjacent the first end. The fixed wing is inflexible relative to the post and the flexible wing is flexible relative to the post. The deflectable wings are configured to deflect toward and then away from the second side of the post to maintain a connection between the connector and the component when the connector is inserted into the mounting surface of the component.
The foregoing and other aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent from the following description. In the description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration preferred configurations of the disclosure. However, this configuration does not necessarily represent the full scope of the disclosure, and thus the scope of the disclosure is explained herein with reference to the claims.
Drawings
The invention is better understood and other features, aspects and advantages than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. The detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is an underside, left side, front side isometric view of a connector assembly according to the present disclosure;
FIG. 2 is a left side view of the connector assembly of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a partial bottom plan view of the connector assembly of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a partial underside, left side, front side isometric view of the connector assembly of FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a partial underside, left side, rear side isometric view of the connector assembly of FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is a left side view of the connector assembly of FIG. 1 in a horizontal orientation;
Fig. 7 is a left side view of the connector assembly of fig. 1 in a vertical orientation.
Detailed Description
Conventional connectors (e.g., push-in connectors) may include two flexible wings or clips configured to receive and connect a component to the connector. In one non-limiting example, a conventional connector may include a W-clip, where the W-clip has two sides that flex relative to one another to facilitate receiving and connecting a component to the connector. In some applications, a force may be applied to the connector at a distance from the connection point between the component and the connector, which may create a moment (depending on the direction of the force) that may act on one of the flexible wings. This moment acting on one of the flexible wings may cause the other portion of the flexible wing or connector to fail (e.g., break).
In general, the present disclosure overcomes these drawbacks in conventional connectors by providing a connector that includes a fixed wing and a single flexible wing. The fixed wing may be attached to a solid thicker post and the deflectable wing may extend from the post. The post and the retaining wing provide more support to the connector and can absorb loads generated by moments applied to the connector. For example, a single flexible wing may transfer the load applied to it to the column to which the fixed wing is attached. In some cases, the connector may be arranged such that torque applied to the connector may act on the stationary wings and posts, where the connector is thicker and toughest. In this way, for example, the connectors of the present disclosure may be more robust (e.g., capable of handling higher loads) than conventional connectors, and may provide for extended component life.
Fig. 1 illustrates a connector assembly 10 according to the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the connector assembly 10 includes a connector 12 and a component 14 configured to connect to the connector 12. In some embodiments, the component 14 may be a component of a vehicle (e.g., a panel, wall, panel, etc.). In some embodiments, the connector 12 may be configured as a routing clip on a vehicle, where the routing clip may be used to route wires, cables, tubing, and/or piping, for example. In general, the connector 12 may be utilized with any connector or fastener system.
In the illustrated embodiment, the connector 12 may include a body portion 16 attached thereto. In some embodiments, for example, the body portion 16 may include a routing feature 20, the routing feature 20 configured to facilitate routing of the element on the vehicle. In the illustrated embodiment, the routing feature 20 is in the form of a routing aperture 22, wherein the routing aperture 22 extends through the body portion 16 and facilitates receipt of one or more elements of a vehicle. In other embodiments, the routing feature 20 may be in the form of a clip, a tube, or another structure through which components may be routed and which is attached to the connector 12 or integrally formed with the connector 12.
The connector 12 may be attached to the body portion 16 and extend from the body portion 16. In some embodiments, the connector 12 and the body portion 16 may be integrally formed as a unitary component. In some embodiments, the connector 12 is removably coupled to the body portion 16.
Referring to fig. 2-5, in the illustrated embodiment, the connector 12 includes a fixed wing 24, a post 26, and a flexible wing 28. The fixed wing 24 may be attached to a first side 30 of the post 26 and extend from the first side 30 of the post 26, and the deflectable wing 28 may be attached to a second side 32 of the post 26 opposite the fixed wing 24 and extend from the second side 32 of the post 26.
In the illustrated embodiment, the stationary wing 24 may be physically attached to the post 26 (e.g., solid material extends between the stationary wing 24 and the post 26 without gaps or cavities). For example, the securing wings 24 may be formed on the first side 30 of the post 26, attached to the first side 30 of the post 26, or integrally formed with the first side 30 of the post 26 such that the securing wings 24 are not movable or flexible relative to the post 26. In other words, the stationary wing 24 is inflexible with respect to the post 26.
In the illustrated embodiment, the stationary vane 24 includes a first stationary ramp surface 34, a stationary ramp tip 36, and a second stationary ramp surface 38. In the illustrated embodiment, the first stationary ramp surface 34 may be inclined in a direction away from the post 26. The first stationary ramp surface 34 may extend longitudinally along the first side 30 of the post 26 from a point between the first end 40 of the post 26 and the second end 42 of the post 26 to the stationary ramp tip 36. The stationary ramp tip 36 may define a maximum distance between the stationary wing 24 and the first side 30 of the post 26. In the illustrated embodiment, the second stationary ramp surface 38 may be inclined in a direction toward the post 26. The second stationary ramp surface 38 may extend longitudinally along the first side 30 of the post 26 from the stationary ramp tip 36 to a point between the stationary ramp tip 36 and the second end 42 of the post 26.
In the illustrated embodiment, the post 26 may include a pair of post-like protrusions 44, wherein the pair of post-like protrusions 44 extend laterally in opposite directions away from a central hub 46 of the post 26. The columnar projections 44 may extend away from each other in opposite directions, wherein the direction in which the columnar projections 44 extend is substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the fixed wing 24 and the flexible wing 28 extend away from the post 26. In this manner, for example, the post 26 may define a lateral thickness T P, wherein the lateral thickness T P is greater than the lateral thickness T W defined by the fixed wing 24 and the flexible wing 28 (see, e.g., fig. 3). This increased lateral thickness defined by the post 26, in combination with the fixed wing 24 being inflexibly attached to the post 26, may provide increased strength to the connector 12 as compared to conventional connectors. In the illustrated embodiment, the columnar protrusion 44 may define a generally circular profile, wherein a portion of the columnar protrusion 44 disposed closer to the flexible wing 28 defines a maximum lateral extension distance relative to the central hub 46. In some embodiments, the columnar protrusion 44 may define another profile (e.g., arcuate, rectangular, triangular, etc.).
In the illustrated embodiment, flexible wing 28 includes a first flexible ramp surface 48, a flexible ramp tip 50, and a second flexible ramp surface 52. In the illustrated embodiment, the first deflectable ramp surface 48 may be sloped in a direction away from the second side 32 of the post 26. The first deflectable ramp surface 48 may extend longitudinally from the first end 40 of the post 26 to a deflectable ramp tip 50. The deflectable ramp tip 50 may define a maximum distance between the deflectable wings 28 and the second side 32 of the post 26. In the illustrated embodiment, the second deflectable ramp surface 52 may slope in a direction toward the second side 32 of the post 26. The second deflectable ramp surface 52 may extend longitudinally from the deflectable ramp tip 50 to the distal end 54 of the deflectable wings 28.
In the illustrated embodiment, the flexible wing 28 may be attached to the second side 32 of the post 26 adjacent to the first end 40 of the post 26, and the tip 54 of the flexible wing 28 may be disposed away from the second side 32 of the post 26 (i.e., not attached to the second side 32 of the post 26). In some embodiments, flexible wings 28 may be integrally formed with post 26 and stationary wings 24. In general, there may be a gap (or lack of material) between the second side 32 of the post 26 and the deflectable wings 28 along a portion of the deflectable wings 28. For example, the flexible wings 28 and the post 26 may form a generally V-shaped arrangement, and at least a portion of the flexible wings 28 may be arranged in a free floating arrangement relative to the second side 32 of the post 26 (i.e., not rigidly attached to the second side 32 or pivotally attached to the post 26). Due to the absence of material between the deflectable wings 28 and the post 26 (in addition to the attachment between the deflectable wings 28 and the post 26 at the first end 40 of the post 26), at least a portion of the deflectable wings 28 are able to deflect relative to the post 26. For example, flexible wings 28 may be configured to flex in a direction toward post 26 or away from post 26 (e.g., flex from left to right from the perspective of fig. 2).
Referring to fig. 1-7, connector 12 may be configured to receive component 14 and connect to component 14. In general, the component 14 may include apertures, slots, or another feature through which the connector 12 may be inserted. In the illustrated embodiment, the component 14 may include a mounting surface 56, wherein the mounting surface 56 extends through the component 14 to define a mounting aperture 58 (see, e.g., fig. 1). To assemble the component 14 to the connector 12, the first end 40 of the post 26 may be inserted through the mounting aperture 58 such that a portion of the mounting surface 56 (e.g., an upper edge of the mounting aperture 58) engages the first fixed ramp surface 34 and the first deflectable ramp surface 48. In general, the mounting aperture 58 may be designed to have a diameter that is less than the distance between the fixed ramp tip 36 and the deflectable ramp tip 50. Because of the smaller diameter of the mounting aperture 58 and the inflexibility of the securing wings 24 relative to the post 26, the deflectable wings 28 may be forced to deflect inwardly in a direction toward the post 26 as the connector 12 is further inserted into the mounting aperture 58. This allows the mounting surface 56 of the component 14 to continue sliding along the first fixed ramp surface 34 and the first deflectable ramp surface 48.
The flexible wings 28 will continue to flex inwardly in a direction toward the post 26 until the mounting surface 56 passes over both the fixed ramp tip 36 and the flexible ramp tip 50. Once the mounting surface 56 passes over both the fixed ramp tip 36 and the deflectable ramp tip 50, the deflectable wings 28 may return or deflect outwardly in a direction away from the post 26. A portion of the mounting surface 56 (e.g., a lower edge of the mounting aperture 58) may then engage the second fixed ramp surface 38 and the second deflectable ramp surface 52. With this portion of the mounting surface 56 engaged with the second fixed ramp surface 38 and the second deflectable ramp surface 52, the angled design of the second fixed ramp surface 38 and the second deflectable ramp surface 52 may bias the component 14 in a direction toward the body portion 16 of the connector 12 (e.g., upward from the perspective of fig. 6, or to the left from the perspective of fig. 7). In this manner, for example, the securing wings 24 and deflectable wings 28 may maintain the connection between the component 14 and the connector 12 and substantially prevent removal of the connector 12 from the component 14.
To remove the component 14 from the connector 12, for example, a user may be required to manually bias the deflectable wings 28 inwardly toward the posts 26 to enable the connector 12 to be removed through the mounting aperture 58.
Fig. 6 illustrates one non-limiting example of a horizontally oriented connector assembly 10. In some applications, the connector assembly 10 may be oriented horizontally and the force F may be applied to the body portion 16 (e.g., due to elements of a vehicle being routed through the routing feature 20). The force F may be applied at a distance away from the connection location between the connector 12 and the component 14, and thus, a moment may be generated on the connector 12. In the non-limiting example illustrated, torque may be generated on the connector 12 in a counter-clockwise direction. The connector 12 is designed such that the moment generated acts directly on the fixed wing 24 and the post 26 attached to the fixed wing 24. As described herein, the post 26 may define a maximum lateral thickness of the connector 12, and the securing wing 24 may be inflexible relative to the post 26 due to physical attachment to the post 26. Thus, the resulting moment may act on the toughest portion of the connector 12 rather than on the flexible wings 28, which allows the connector 12 to withstand higher loads than conventional connectors.
Fig. 7 illustrates one non-limiting example of a vertically oriented connector assembly 10. In some applications, the connector assembly 10 may be oriented vertically and a force F may be applied to the body portion 16 (e.g., due to an element routed through the routing feature 20). The force F may be applied at a distance away from the connection location between the connector 12 and the component 14, and thus, a moment may be generated on the connector 12. In the non-limiting example illustrated, torque may be generated on the connector 12 in a counter-clockwise direction. Similar to the horizontal orientation, the design of the connector 12 ensures that the loads generated by the moment act directly on the fixed wing 24 and the post 26 attached to the fixed wing 24, where the connector 12 is the strongest.
In general, the connector 12 may define alternative orientations and arrangements in other applications. For example, the direction of the moment generated on the connector 12 may be known for a given application, and the connector 12 may be designed such that the moment acts on the stationary wing 24 and the post 26 attached to the stationary wing 24.
Although the application is described herein with reference to a connector designed to connect to a component, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the concepts herein may be utilized with respect to the connection or fastening of any two components. In some embodiments, embodiments herein may be utilized with respect to fastener or retainer systems to facilitate the fastening or retention of one or more components. In a non-limiting example, the concepts of the present application may be utilized with push-in fasteners, such as those shown in U.S. patent No. 9,982,694 to Scroggie et al, entitled "push-in retainer connection with integrated hinged seal (Push Through Retainer Connection WITHINTEGRATED HINGING SEAL)" and assigned to the assignee of the present application, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Furthermore, in a similar manner, the concepts of the present application may be utilized in any two-piece fastener system.
Within this specification embodiments have been described in a manner that enables a clear and concise description to be written, it is desired and understood that various embodiments may be combined together or divided into various ways without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, it should be understood that all of the preferred features described herein apply to all aspects of the invention described herein.
Thus, while the invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments and examples, the invention is not necessarily limited thereto, and many other embodiments, examples, uses, modifications and departures from the embodiments are intended to be covered by the appended claims. The entire disclosure of each patent and publication cited herein is incorporated by reference as if each such patent or publication were individually incorporated by reference herein.
Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

Claims (20)

1. A connector (12), comprising:
A post (26), the post (26) defining a first side (30), a second side (32), and a first end (40);
-a stationary wing (24), the stationary wing (24) being formed on the first side (30) of the post (26) and extending away from the first side (30) of the post (26), wherein the stationary wing (24) is inflexible relative to the post (26), wherein the stationary wing (24) comprises a first stationary ramp surface (34), a stationary ramp tip (36) and a second stationary ramp surface (38); and
A flexible wing (28), the flexible wing (28) attached to the second side (32) of the post (26) adjacent the first end (40) and extending away from the second side (32) of the post (26), wherein the flexible wing (28) is configured to flex relative to the post (26).
2. The connector (12) of claim 1, wherein the post (26) and the retaining wing (24) are integrally formed.
3. The connector (12) of claim 1, wherein the post (26), the securing wing (24), and the flexible wing (28) are integrally formed.
4. The connector (12) of claim 1, wherein the fixed ramp tip (36) is connected between the first fixed ramp surface (34) and the second fixed ramp surface (38), and wherein the fixed ramp tip (36) defines a maximum distance between the fixed wing (24) and the first side (30) of the post (26).
5. The connector (12) of claim 4 wherein the first fixed ramp surface (34) is inclined in a direction away from the first side (30) of the post (26) and the second fixed ramp surface (38) is inclined in a direction toward the first side (30) of the post (26).
6. The connector (12) of claim 1, wherein the flexible wing (28) includes a first flexible ramp surface (48), a flexible ramp tip (50), and a second flexible ramp surface (52).
7. The connector (12) of claim 6, wherein the first deflectable ramp surface (48) is sloped in a direction away from the second side (32) of the post (26) and the second deflectable ramp surface (52) is sloped in a direction toward the second side (32) of the post (26).
8. The connector (12) of claim 1, wherein the post (26) defines a maximum lateral thickness relative to the fixed wing (24) and the flexible wing (28).
9. The connector (12) of claim 1, wherein the post (26) includes one or more post-like protrusions (44) extending away from a central hub (46).
10. The connector (12) of claim 9, wherein the one or more columnar projections (44) provide an increased lateral thickness of the post (26).
11. A connector (12), comprising:
A post (26), the post (26) defining a first side (30), a second side (32), and a first end (40);
-a stationary wing (24), the stationary wing (24) being formed on the first side (30) of the post (26) and extending away from the first side (30) of the post (26), wherein the stationary wing (24) is inflexible with respect to the post (26), the stationary wing (24) comprising a first stationary ramp surface (34), a stationary ramp tip (36) and a second stationary ramp surface (38), and wherein the first stationary ramp surface (34) is inclined in a direction away from the first side (30) of the post (26) and the second stationary ramp surface (38) is inclined in a direction towards the first side (30) of the post (26); and
A flexible wing (28), the flexible wing (28) attached to the second side (32) of the post (26) adjacent the first end (40) and extending away from the second side (32) of the post (26), wherein a gap is formed between at least a portion of the flexible wing (28) and the second side (32) of the post (26) to enable the flexible wing (28) to flex relative to the post (26).
12. The connector (12) of claim 11, wherein the fixed ramp tip (36) is connected between the first fixed ramp surface (34) and the second fixed ramp surface (38), and wherein the fixed ramp tip (36) defines a maximum distance between the fixed wing (24) and the first side (30) of the post (26).
13. The connector (12) of claim 11, wherein the flexible wing (28) includes a first flexible ramp surface (48), a flexible ramp tip (50), and a second flexible ramp surface (52), and wherein the first flexible ramp surface (48) is inclined in a direction away from the second side (32) of the post (26) and the second flexible ramp surface (52) is inclined in a direction toward the second side (32) of the post (26).
14. The connector (12) of claim 11, wherein the post (26) includes one or more post-like protrusions (44) extending away from a central hub (46).
15. The connector (12) of claim 14, wherein the one or more columnar protrusions (44) provide an increased lateral thickness of the post (26) relative to the fixed wing (24) and the flexible wing (28).
16. A connector assembly (10) including a component (14) having a mounting surface (56), the connector assembly (10) comprising:
A connector (12), the connector (12) comprising:
A post (26), the post (26) defining a first side (30), a second side (32), and a first end (40);
-a stationary wing (24), said stationary wing (24) being formed on said first side (30) of said post (26) and extending away from said first side (30) of said post (26), said stationary wing (24) comprising a first stationary ramp surface (34), a stationary ramp tip (36) and a second stationary ramp surface (38); and
A flexible wing (28), the flexible wing (28) attached to the second side (32) of the post (26) adjacent the first end (40) and extending away from the second side (32) of the post (26), wherein the fixed wing (24) is inflexible relative to the post (26) and the flexible wing (28) is flexible relative to the post (26), the flexible wing (28) configured to:
Once the connector (12) is inserted into the mounting surface (56) of the component (14), the flexible wings (28) flex toward the second side (32) of the post (26) and then flex away from the second side (32) of the post (26) to maintain the connection between the connector (12) and the component (14).
17. The connector assembly (10) of claim 16, wherein when a moment is generated on the connector (12), the moment acts on the retaining wings (24) and the posts (26) of the connector (12).
18. The connector assembly (10) of claim 16, wherein the fixed ramp tip (36) is connected between the first fixed ramp surface (34) and the second fixed ramp surface (38), and wherein the fixed ramp tip (36) defines a maximum distance between the fixed wing (24) and the first side (30) of the post (26), and wherein the first fixed ramp surface (34) is inclined in a direction away from the first side (30) of the post (26) and the second fixed ramp surface (38) is inclined in a direction toward the first side (30) of the post (26).
19. The connector assembly (10) of claim 16, wherein the flexible wing (28) includes a first flexible ramp surface (48), a flexible ramp tip (50), and a second flexible ramp surface (52), and wherein the first flexible ramp surface (48) is inclined in a direction away from the second side (32) of the post (26) and the second flexible ramp surface (52) is inclined in a direction toward the second side (32) of the post (26).
20. The connector assembly (10) of claim 16, wherein the post (26) defines a maximum lateral thickness relative to the stationary wing (24) and the flexible wing (28).
CN202010013408.8A 2019-01-07 2020-01-07 System and method for connector Active CN111416229B (en)

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CN111416229A (en) 2020-07-14
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US20200217340A1 (en) 2020-07-09
BR102020000261A2 (en) 2021-01-26

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